Hillsborough woman charged with animal cruelty after dog dies in her car

SOMERVILLE — Virginia E. Hendricks, 63, of Hillsborough was charged with animal cruelty in connection with leaving an unattended dog in a car with fatal results.

According to investigators, police arrived at the rear parking lot of 50 W. Main St. on April 30 at 4:36 p.m. to find Hendricks standing next to a beige 1999 Toyota Camry. In her arms was a dead dog, a white Bijon Frise.

Police said all the car windows were closed at the time officers arrived, and the temperature outdoors was 78 degrees Fahrenheit.

Hendricks said she left the dog in the car for about 20 minutes and thought she had left a window ajar, according to police. Witnesses at the scene told police they had previously seen Hendricks frequently park her car in the same lot leaving the dog inside for long periods of time with the car windows closed.

Hendricks said she would contact a veterinarian to make arrangements for the dog’s remains.